Rutherford County

Rutherford County Schools announced that existing bus transportation rules will remain in place for the new school year. These regulations are the same ones that had previously sparked controversy among some parents last year.

Scott DesJarlais won the GOP nomination in Tennessee’s 4th Congressional District, while Victoria Broderick secured the Democratic primary. The 4th District now includes parts of Southeast Nashville and most of Rutherford County. DesJarlais is set to face off against Broderick in the general election.

Early voting data in Tennessee shows increased Republican turnout in Middle Tennessee's suburban counties, potentially influencing the state's two major GOP primary races for governor and Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District. The shift contrasts with expectations of rural county gains, highlighting suburban areas like Nashville as pivotal in determining outcomes.

A legal dispute in Rutherford County, Tennessee, could determine how single-family rental homes are classified for property tax purposes. The case may shape future property tax assessments for rental properties in the state.

Rutherford County plans to use a former fairgrounds site for a new jail and sheriff’s office, but property owners are resisting due to the county’s $14–18 million offer being significantly lower than a $38 million private contract on the land. County leaders argue the location is critical for proximity to existing justice facilities and overcrowding relief, while commissioners will reconvene to decide next steps.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation will begin widening North Thompson Lane in Murfreesboro this fall, expanding the 4.3-mile road to five lanes to address increasing traffic. The project, set for completion in 2030, includes safety improvements like sidewalks and new traffic signals, though some residents have expressed concerns about construction impacts.

Rutherford County commissioners plan to acquire Murfreesboro's Old Fairgrounds for a new jail and public safety campus, but the property owners are resisting, claiming the county's $14 million to $18 million valuation is too low and alleging insufficient notice before the vote. The owners state the land is under a $38 million contract with a private buyer, complicating the county's efforts to address jail overcrowding.

Rockvale High School in Rutherford County received a fire truck donation from the local fire rescue. The gift was provided by the fire rescue department.

Murfreesboro sold a city-owned property to The Journey Home nonprofit for $1 to address parking and space needs, allowing the organization to redirect $180,000 toward serving homeless individuals. The city council approved the deal, which supports the nonprofit's expanded services and volunteer efforts.

Rutherford County is hosting a mattress recycling event with Spring Back Mattress Recycling Nashville on August 1 at the Rutherford County Convenience Center. The event allows residents to dispose of old mattresses and box springs without landfilling, as over 95% of mattresses can be recycled into products like carpet padding and insulation.

A traffic stop in Mt. Juliet led to the arrest of a Hendersonville woman who had been a fugitive since December 2025. Police found heroin, drug paraphernalia, and stolen property during the stop. The Mt. Juliet Police Department credited their officers' vigilance for the arrest and noted 342 wanted individuals were apprehended in the first six months of 2026.

Nashville may use eminent domain to halt a data center project, while Rutherford County considers it for a public safety campus. The NashVillager Podcast also covers Nashville’s boot industry and local news from July 23, 2026.

Millers Creek in Rutherford County has overflowed, submerging an intersection. The incident was reported by Smokey Barn News.

Rutherford County deputies are seeking suspects in a $14,300 theft of roofing materials and tools from a church. Authorities are asking for public assistance to identify those responsible.

Mt. Juliet police arrested 342 wanted individuals in the first six months of 2026, with 88% being non-residents. The department attributes these arrests to proactive patrols, technology like license plate readers, and community support, which have also contributed to significant drops in theft-related crimes.

Two wanted women were arrested in Mt. Juliet after a license plate reader alert linked their vehicle to an organized retail theft investigation. The arrests occurred during a traffic stop on I-40, with both suspects identified as non-residents of Mt. Juliet. The Mt. Juliet Police Department reported 342 wanted individuals arrested in the first six months of 2026, 88% of whom were non-residents.

Two women wanted by Rutherford County were arrested by Mt. Juliet Police during a traffic stop linked to an ongoing organized retail theft investigation. The arrests occurred as part of efforts to combat retail theft in the area.

Middle Tennessee school districts showed overall improvement in standardized test scores, but proficiency rates for marginalized groups like low-income students, English learners, and Black/Hispanic students declined in several areas. While 118 districts reported increased proficiency rates, disparities persisted in counties such as Williamson, Cheatham, and Dickson.

Rutherford County's property assessor claims a state agency is overstepping legal boundaries by attempting to alter how rental homes are taxed. The county official is resisting a state initiative to change taxation methods for rental properties.

Congressman Tim Moore announced over $4.7 million in federal funding from FEMA for Hurricane Helene recovery projects in North Carolina's 14th District. The funding will support debris removal, infrastructure repairs, and utility restoration in Morganton, Burke County, and Rutherford County.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation will close Veterans Parkway in Rutherford County in two phases from July 6 to July 31 for construction on the New Salem Highway widening project. Detours for northbound and southbound traffic are outlined, with temporary signals installed at key intersections. The project, part of Phase 3 of a multi-year effort, aims to widen SR 99 from two to five lanes over 2.4 miles, with completion expected by December 2027.

Murfreesboro Mayor explains how new property assessments impact tax bills. Rutherford County homeowners are seeing higher assessments in their mailboxes, leading to questions about potential tax increases.

Police in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, have arrested two suspects in a fatal shooting outside MJ’s Sports Bar and Grill. The victim, Cierra Torres, 27, was identified, and both suspects, Castella Goodman and Keosha Bassham, face first-degree murder charges. Goodman is also charged with firearm possession by a convicted felon.

Murfreesboro approved a $782 million budget to address rapid growth without increasing property taxes, prioritizing public safety and infrastructure. Mayor Shane McFarland emphasized managing expectations and improving state road conditions, while residents expressed mixed feelings about the city's changing identity.

A Smyrna couple, Gregg Vickrey and his partner, are struggling with a growing sinkhole in their yard that began three weeks ago. The sinkhole, which has deepened and expanded significantly, is not covered by their insurance or the city, leaving them without financial support. The issue is linked to underground limestone and caverns common in Rutherford County.

Part of Interstate 24 in Rutherford County, Tennessee, will be closed from 7 p.m. on Tuesday to 5 a.m. on Wednesday for an emergency repair. The Tennessee Department of Transportation announced double lane closures and a full ramp closure from I-24 westbound to Almaville Road at Exit 70.

Tennessee's SNAP enrollment decreased by 3% from January to April 2026, with 19,000 fewer recipients and reduced benefit payments. Rutherford and Montgomery counties mirrored the statewide decline. Data comes from the Department of Human Services.

Interstate 840 eastbound near the speedway in Rutherford County is closed after a commercial truck hauling heavy construction equipment struck a bridge. The incident caused the bridge to be damaged, leading to the closure of the highway.